Earning an Online Accredited Degree

Any college or university, whether a traditional campus environment or an online learning institution, must be properly accredited in order to ensure that graduates have the same degree status. Many people don’t believe that an online accredited degree holds the same value for employers as a degree earned in a college campus classroom.

Other students aren’t sure if credits earned with an online accredited degree program can be transferred to other schools, both online and campus institutions. Some are doubtful that an online accredited degree offers the same quality education as a ‘regular’ campus, and that textbooks or learning materials are substandard when compared to those used in a traditional university. A little research will serve to assure all prospective students that such is not the case if they want to earn a degree online at an accredited institution.

What is an Accredited Degree?

Basically, the accreditation process is an evaluation tool used by accrediting bodies to ensure that the school maintains high standards of educational quality. Accreditation is completed by a peer-review process. Faculty members from other universities, colleges and other learning education professionals are the ones who conduct these reviews, and their sole job is to make sure that students benefit from the school’s mission, their objectives and their resources. They also ensure that standard, national entrance requirements be met and that student support services are available to provide students with counselors and staff during normal business hours.

Verify Accreditation Before Enrolling

An online accredited degree will ensure that your hard work and effort is paid off with a degree that will be recognized by other universities and by future employers. If in doubt, ask the online school you would like to attend to provide you with information about their accreditation. There are a few key phrases to watch out for. Online accredited degree program verification should list the agency that completed the accreditation process.

Watch out for an online college that claims an online accredited degree is available though they are currently ‘pursuing accreditation’ or ‘chartered’ or ‘licensed, registered, recognized, approved or authorized’. If the word ‘accredited’ is not in this accreditation report, then chances are, they aren’t. Not only that, an online accredited degree program should also list the qualifications of the accreditation agency that toured and reviewed the college of your choice. Check out the names. For example, the agency that claims to be the ‘American Association of Accredited Colleges and Universities’ is bogus.

So How Do You Make Sure?

If an online accredited degree program is approved by the U.S. Department of Education, get online and check listings of national and regional accrediting agencies. You can also check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which is a non-governmental agency. A search for the verification of an online accredited degree program will take only a few minutes, and will prevent not only disappointment but also protect your pocketbook.

An online accredited degree program is the best way for many people to finally receive the college education they’ve always dreamed about, but don’t let those dreams turn to nightmares. Always check to make sure the online accredited degree program you want, really is.